Aims

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), blood loss continues internally after surgery is complete. Typically, the total loss over 48 postoperative hours can be around 1,300 ml, with most occurring within the first 24 hours. We hypothesize that the full potential of tranexamic acid (TXA) to decrease TKA blood loss has not yet been harnessed because it is rarely used beyond the intraoperative period, and is usually withheld from ‘high-risk’ patients with a history of thromboembolic, cardiovascular, or cerebrovascular disease, a patient group who would benefit greatly from a reduced blood loss.

Aims

A typical pattern of blood loss associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) is 200 ml intraoperatively and 1.3 l in the first 48 postoperative hours. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is most commonly given as a single preoperative dose only and is often withheld from patients with a history of thromboembolic disease as they are perceived to be “high-risk” with respect to postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). The TRanexamic ACid for 24 hours trial (TRAC-24) aimed to identify if an additional 24-hour postoperative TXA regime could further reduce blood loss beyond a once-only dose at the time of surgery, without excluding these high-risk patients.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether the sequential application of povidone iodine-alcohol (PVI) followed by chlorhexidine gluconate-alcohol (CHG) would reduce surgical wound contamination to a greater extent than PVI applied twice in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

This study reports the mid-term results of a large bearing uncemented metal on metal total hip replacement (MOMHTHR) matched series using the Synergy stem and Birmingham modular head in 36 hips (mean follow up 61 months). All patients underwent clinical, metal ion and MRI assessment. Wear analysis was performed on retrieved heads using Redlux non-contact optical profilometry.

Seven patients (19%) have undergone revision surgery. All revisions had two or more of either symptoms, high metal ions or an MRI suggestive of an adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD). There was no evidence of component malposition or impingement. Frank staining of tissues together with high volume dark brown fluid collections were found in all cases. All stems and cups were well fixed. In 4 cases pubic and ischial lysis (adjacent to the inferior fins) was observed. All 7 cases had radiological, intraoperative and histological evidence of ARMD (Figure 1). The failure cohort had significantly higher whole blood cobalt ion levels and OHS (p = 0.001), but no significant difference in cup size (p = 0.77), gender predominance, stem offset or cup position (p = 0.12). Sleeves had been used in all revision cases

Wear analysis (n = 4) demonstrated increased wear at the trunnion/sleeve interface in a distribution compatible with micromotion (Figure 2). There was normal wear at the articulating surface.

This series further demonstrates unacceptable failure rates in LHMOMTHR in a series where a compatible stem for the BHR modular head was used. Use of a CoCr sleeve within a CoCr head taper appears to contribute to abnormal wear and therefore potential ARMD and subsequent failure.

Guidelines for cervical trauma x-rays highlight the necessity for visualization of the C7-T1 junction. However, despite 15% of thoracolumbar fractures involving the T12 vertebra, less emphasis has been placed on ensuring the thoracolumbar junction or T12 vertebra is included on lumbar trauma radiographs. This may be due to an assumption that the lower thoracic spine will routinely be seen on lumbar x-rays.

We aimed to determine the proportion of lumbar trauma x-rays that allowed adequate visualisation for fracture diagnosis. We retrospectively reviewed all lumbar spine radiographs for patients presenting with blunt trauma to the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow from January 2007 to January 2009. Our criteria for an appropriate lumbar trauma x-ray were that the whole lumbar spine should be visualized as well as the whole T12 vertebra.

From 583 lumbar radiographs reviewed, 61 (10%) did not fulfill the criteria for an acceptable lumbar trauma x-ray. 3% did not include the lumbrosacral junction and 7% did not include the T12 vertebra. One patient had a delayed diagnosis of a T12 fracture due to incomplete visualisation of the T12 vertebra on initial lumbar radiographs.

A significant proportion of lumbar spine x-rays performed for trauma patients (up to 10%) may not allow adequate visualisation for fracture diagnosis. These x-rays may give false reassurance that no fracture is present and, in turn, may lead to potentially disabling consequences. Spinal imaging for trauma patients should be interpreted closely with clinical findings. In cases where there is difficulty visualising the lumbar spine appropriately with radiographs, a CT scan should be considered.

Introduction: A recent clinical study has suggested that topical GTN may improve the outcome of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The mechanism for this improvement is obscure but is thought to be due to modulation of local nitric oxide (NO) levels. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and histological results of topical GTN for non-insertional Achilles tendonitis.

Methods: 40 patients with non-insertional Achilles tendonitis underwent standard non-operative therapy. 20 patients also used topical GTN daily. AOFAS, AOS visual analogue scores and SF36 forms were completed pre-treatment and 3 months later.

Patients who failed conservative treatment and underwent surgery had histological examination of achilles tendon and histochemical analysis for isomers of NOS (eNOS and iNOS) as a marker of NO production.

Results: There was an overall improvement in symptoms in both groups but no significant difference in the improvement bewtween them – there was no additional benefit in using GTN patches. 4 patients also had to stop using patches within 3 weeks because of headaches.

Histological examination did not show any difference in collagen synthesis or remodelling between the 2 groups and there was no evidence of stimulated wound fibroblasts in the GTN group. There was no difference between the groups in the expression of eNOS or iNOS.

Conclusion: This study fails to demonstrate any improvement in symptoms when using GTN patches. There is no histological evidence that GTN promotes degenerate tendon to stimulate wound fibroblasts and increase collagen synthesis and remodelling. GTN patches do not appear to modulate the expression of NOS enzymes in diseased Achilles tendon. The use of GTN patches in the treatment of non-insertional Achilles tendonitis remains questionable and the role of NO as a mediator of inflammatory response remains elusive.

Substantial bone loss and bone defects are the most challenging problems faced by the surgeon performing revision surgery. Of the many techniques available, impaction bone grafting aims to achieve stability of an implant with the use of compacted, morselized bone graft and subsequently allows restoration of bone stock by bone ingrowth. This technique was proposed with a highly polished double tapered stem. This technique has also been subsequently used with stems of varying surface finish and shape. We report here our experience with impaction grafting using Charnley stem and variants with 8–10 year results assessing the radiological appearance and subsequent behaviour of the impacted allograft.

A prospective radiological study of revision hip arthroplasty done for aseptic loosening with femoral bone loss is presented. Pre operative bone loss was assessed using the Endo Klinik grading system. Impaction grafting with fresh frozen femoral head allograft and the flanged 40 size Charnley stem was used in 17 cases and extra heavey flanged 40 size was used in 9 casaes. Post operative and annual review radiographs were examined for graft distribution, graft consolidation, cortical repair and subsidence of the stem.

Twenty six revisions performed in 25 patients between May 1994 and November 1996 were followed up for 8–10 years. Mean age was 66 years(range 26–83 years). There were eighteen male and 7 female patients. One patient died 2 years and 9 months after the operation. Pre operatively Endo Klinik grade 2 bone loss was seen in 7 cases and grade 3 bone loss was seen in 19 cases. Post operative radiographs showed even graft distribution in twenty cases, five patients had poor filling in Gruen zone 3 and one patient had poor filling in zone 2. All cases demonstrated evidence of graft consolidation by one year. Twenty two cases showed no further changes after 8–10 years. Two cases of subsidence have been revised and one patient is awaiting revision ( 8 years after revision). Two of these were extra heavy flanged 40 stems. Three cases showed subsidence > 5mm and were associated with graft deficiency in zone 2 or 3. Out of these three one had an extra heavy flanged 40 stem inserted. There were no medical complications or deep infection following surgery in these patients. One patient had dislocation.

In conclusion, femoral revision using impaction grafting with the Charnley stem produces satisfactory radiological results in the medium to long term. Good graft distribution on a postoperative radiograph is associated with graft consolidation, cortical repair and minimal stem subsidence. Extra heavy flanged 40 stems perform less satisfactorily compared to the flanged 40 stems. Inadequate graft filling is associated with stem subsidence and revision. These findings highlight the importance of meticulous surgical technique to ensure even graft distribution. This study supports the taper of the Charnley stem and suggests that a vaquasheen finish is not contraindicated.

A 12 year old girl presented with a history of intermittent pain in her left knee since she started walking. She was seen in the vascular clinic due to engorged veins in her left leg and was diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome was made. Her knee pain worsened and an orthopaedic opinion was obtained. A history of repeated knee effusion and swelling was noted.

Examination revealed partial gigantism of the left leg and reduced range of motion of the knee. There was soft tissue swelling of the knee with no effusion. Blood investigations were normal. X-rays showed an arthritic joint. MRI scans revealed synovial thickening and a vascular malformation suggesting a synovial haemangioma. She underwent Radical Open Synovectomy and excision of the haemangioma. Blood loss was minimal. Extensive haemosiderin deposition was noted along with Grade IV arthritic changes. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Surgeons have been reluctant to excise synovial hemangiomas due to the risk of haemorrhage.

A recent paper from Switzerland suggested excision was possible with minimal blood loss. Haemosiderin deposition due to recurrent haemarthrosis may predispose to articular damage. We recommend early excision of synovial haemangiomas to minimise articular damage.

Aim: We audited medical complications after revision hip arthroplasty, in elderly and young patients and correlated its occurrence to the preoperative medical status. Methods: 104 revision hip replacements in 100 patients (mean age 71.5 years) were followed up for a mean of 33.9 months. (9–67). 49 were above 75 years of age. The American Society of Anaesthetists grading system was used to assess preoperative medical fitness. 50% patients were in ASA grade III. Medical complications in the first 3 postoperative months were classified into major, moderate and minor (Phillips). There were pre-existing cardiac problems in 57, COPD in 13, vascular disease in 7, cerebro vascular disease in 7, previous DVT in 6 and renal/endocrine problems in 16. Results: Overall medical complication rate was 35% (7% major, 14% moderate and 14% minor). The rate in elderly patients was 21%. There was 1 postoperative death due to cardiac reasons at 2 months. There were cardiac complications in 23%, anaemia in 17%, respiratory problems in 10%, hematemesis in 7%, renal in 7%, circulatory in 7%, deep vein thrombosis in 5%, pulmonary thromboembolism in 5%. Mean hospital stay was 17.8 days. 83 patients had no pain, 88 were independent, and 7 had poor mobility. 85% were satisfied with the operation. The major medical complications were not significantly higher in elderly than in younger patients. Conclusion ASA grade correlated positively with frequency and severity of medical complications (Fisher exact test p < 0.001). The occurrence was independent of the age of the patient (p=0.106). Revision hip arthroplasty was well-tolerated in elderly patients and age alone is not a contra-indication. This compared favourably with other reported series. Good anaesthetic and medical support is vital.

Aim: To assess the radiological appearance and subsequent behaviour of impacted allograft in revision hip surgery using the Charnley femoral prosthesis. Method: A prospective radiological study of hip arthroplasty revised for aseptic loosening with femoral bone loss was performed. Preoperative bone loss was assessed using the Endo Klinik grading. Impaction grafting with fresh frozen femoral head allograft and the Charnley stem was used in all cases. Postoperative X-rays and annual review films were examined for graft distribution, cortical repair and stem subsidence. Graft consolidation and cortical repair was assessed. Results: Twenty cases were followed up for 6 to 8 years. Fourteen cases had even distribution of graft and 6 had deficiency in one Gruen zone. Graft consolidation was identified in all cases at one year. Cortical repair was noted in 14 out of 15 Endo Klinik III cases. One patient died after 2 years and 9 months. Two stems have subsided by more than 5 mm and are asymptomatic. Two cases with subsidence have been revised. All cases with subsidence were associated with graft deficiency in Gruen zone II or III on the postoperative X-ray. Conclusions: Good initial graft distribution on the postoperative X-ray is associated with graft consolidation, cortical repair and minimal stem subsidence. Initial deficiency in graft distribution is associated with stem subsidence and revision. These findings highlight the importance of a surgical technique, which ensures even graft distribution.

We investigated the incidence of cephalosporin-resistant bacteria in infected hip arthroplasties. Of 740 patients having hip replacement or related procedures performed over three years, 30 had positive bacteriological cultures from tissue removed at the time of surgery. In 18 of the 30 cultures Staphylococcus epidermidis was grown and 12 of these were methicillin-resistant. A prospective study of skin swabs taken from 100 consecutive patients at the time of admission for THR showed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in 25. This cephalosporin-resistant organism was shown to be the commonest proven cause of infection, and its presence as a skin commensal raises important questions about current antibiotic prophylaxis for joint replacement.